Black-shouldered Kite
Photo: Frankzed from Melbourne, Australia · CC BY 2.0

Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks

Black-shouldered Kite

Elanus axillaris

LCLeast Concern Endemic to Australia
Family
Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks (Accipitridae)
Order
Accipitriformes

Overview

The black-shouldered kite (Elanus axillaris), also known as the Australian black-shouldered kite, is a small raptor found in open habitats throughout Australia. It resembles similar species found in Africa, Eurasia and North America, including the black-winged kite, a species that has in the past also been called "black-shouldered kite". Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length, with a wingspan of 80–100 cm (31–39 in), the adult black-shouldered kite has predominantly grey-white plumage and prominent black markings above its red eyes. It gains its name from the black patches on its wings.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Australia (except Tasmania).

Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.

Continents

Countries

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.